Voters say they were attracted to Mr. Martinelli, because they perceive him as outside the traditional political system that has dominated Panamanian politics since the US invasion of 1989 that dismantled the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega. They also express hope that the supermarket tycoon will bring his business savvy to the chief-of-staff post and help Panama weather the worldwide economic crisis.

"If he has run such a successful company, he can run the country," says Diana Arosemena, a resident of Panama City on her return home from a polling station Sunday, repeating a sentiment heard throughout the nation. She says he has the experience to cut costs and make government run more efficiently.